Mubashir Nadeem

Form 45 is a crucial document in the Pakistani elections, as it contains the results of the polling station, including the number of valid and rejected votes, the number of votes cast for each candidate, and the signatures of the presiding officer and the polling agents. Form 45 is the basis for the consolidation and announcement of the official results by the returning officers and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Form 45 is also a source of transparency and accountability, as it allows the candidates, the political parties, the media, and the public to verify the accuracy and credibility of the electoral process. Form 45 is required to be displayed at the polling station after the counting of votes, and to be provided to the polling agents and the observers. Form 45 is also scanned and uploaded on the ECP website for public access. Form 45 has been amended several times by the ECP to improve its format and content and to address the issues and challenges faced in the previous elections. The latest amendment in Form 45 was proposed on October 5, 2023, and invited objections or suggestions from the stakeholders by October 20, 2023.

Form 45 stands as a crucial document in Pakistan’s electoral process, serving as an official record of voting results at each polling station. Its significance lies in ensuring transparency, accountability, and accuracy in the conduct of elections.
At the heart of Form 45 lies its objective of providing a detailed account of votes cast at a particular polling station. This record serves as a primary source of information for compiling and verifying results at the constituency level. The form meticulously captures vital details such as the polling station number, constituency name, total registered voters, total votes cast, and the distribution of votes among contesting candidates.

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Form 45 requires multiple signatures to ensure the voting process’s integrity. The Presiding Officer, who oversees the polling station, bears the primary responsibility for its accuracy. Additionally, polling agents representing each candidate present at the polling station sign the form to attest to the validity of the recorded results.
Transparency is paramount in maintaining the integrity of elections, and Form 45 plays a pivotal role in achieving this objective. Making the form accessible to candidates and their agents it empowers them to scrutinize the results at each polling station and compare them with the final constituency-level outcomes. This open scrutiny reduces the likelihood of irregularities or manipulations.

Once the voting process concludes at a polling station, the Presiding Officer carefully prepares Form 45 and submits it to the Returning Officer for the constituency. The Returning Officer then collects and consolidates the Form 45s from all polling stations within the constituency to determine the final results for that area.
To further enhance transparency, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) mandates Presiding Officers to display Form 45 prominently outside polling stations for public viewing. This accessibility empowers voters, candidates, and their agents to personally verify the results and raise any concerns if necessary.
Lastly, Form 45 serves as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and accuracy in Pakistan’s electoral process. Its meticulous documentation, multiple signatures, public availability, and role in result compilation make it an indispensable tool for ensuring the integrity of elections.

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